Shane Ross (Independent)

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Cox and applaud her willingness to make a stand on an issue such as this. I share to some extent her concern regarding the contempt in which Departments and the Government in general sometimes hold this House. I apportion no blame to the Leader in this regard. The standards of rubber-stamping that go on in this House are something which should be carefully examined.

I draw Members' attention to a specific issue which is illustrative of this problem. It is an important issue for the good of the House. In my office some days ago, I listened to a Member speaking in the Chamber. After this person had spoken for some time, I realised I had heard it all before. It is not unusual for us to be repetitive. On this occasion, however, I had read the same content in a script issued by the relevant party press office before the Member spoke in this House.